cheap solar power is here....

[Mirador]

CuInGaSe2


Now all we need is a parallel breakthrough in electricity storage devices.

[dv8]

let me just say, we have been talking about the solar power here and i complained, as usual. LOL


now our solar panel is fixed and working i can shower in HOT HOT HOT water, wash dishes in hot water, bathe in hot water, wash the cat in hot water (HE is NOT appreciative, maybe should stop stepping in his own poo).

i had my doubts but now i can see it is working! and working fine too.

[Mirador]

Originally Posted by dv8

let me just say, we have been talking about the solar power here and i complained, as usual. LOL


now our solar panel is fixed and working i can shower in HOT HOT HOT water, wash dishes in hot water, bathe in hot water, wash the cat in hot water (HE is NOT appreciative, maybe should stop stepping in his own poo).

i had my doubts but now i can see it is working! and working fine too.

I understand that the main issue concerning alternative power technology is not whether it works or not, it's a question of cost-effectiveness, which is necessary for its widespread or universal application. For example, I have a home security system that would make Rube Goldberg churn in his grave from jealousy. However, it cannot be duplicated in a practical and cost-effective manner.

[dv8]

i cannot talk about costs of our solar panel as we live in a condo. panels were installed and fixed by them and the water is included in a maintenance fee.

however minovio's mum has put the solar panel for the water heater in her new house and despite the cost of the panel+installation she is happy with it.
i guess it is hard to fork out the money for that but it seems to be working fine. may be a problem if it had to serve more people but for the small household is perfect.

the plans for our future house in POP include solar panels too, i support environmentally friendly energy sources. and sun is free in DR!

[cobraboy]

That would be great. I just hope it's real, and not another "cold fusion breakthrough".

I'll believe it when I see it, and I'll remain hopeful. $1 a watt would certainly change how the world does things. Might even make electric cars practical. I can just see young "tuners" drag racing their solar cars, their bodywork adorned with efficient solar energy producing film, pit stops being where the best sun is, doing 11 second 1/4 miles...silently

Note the developer asks for government just to get out of the way. A sound idea, one I'll endorse.

(A note to Mr. Chavez, and President Bob of Iran: you DO realize your regimes are screwed if this stuff is for real, don't you? )

[Chirimoya]

Originally Posted by dv8

and sun is free in DR!

Tell that to my neighbours who use electric clothes dryers when the sun is blazing, all-night aircon all year round, even on nights like last night when the temperatures are probably below the minimum setting on the a/c unit, and still whinge when they get their electricity bills!

[dv8]

gee, i know. minovio runs bloody air con all night long and when i get up in the morning i have to wear full pyjamas plus socks plus warmest sweater. they tell me i should be used to the cold since i am from poland but i say "yes, poland is cold but only in the winter and OUT-bloody-SIDE!".

as to drying clothes outside. we have a big balcony but in truly dominican architectural style the building is situated in such way we never get any sun there except for the small spot occupied by the cat. and of course some giant trees are planted outside. i swear - it's colder inside our flat in DR than in my flat in poland during the coldest winter.

alternative power sources: i have read about this polish inventor who worked out the process of turning rubbish (mainly plastic bottles and such) into oil and oil products.

[cobraboy]

Originally Posted by dv8

alternative power sources: i have read about this polish inventor who worked out the process of turning rubbish (mainly plastic bottles and such) into oil and oil products.

In the recent Popular Science magazine (or maybe Popular Mechanics), there is a guy who uses a plasma gas system that turns trash of all kinds into road fill asphalt-like material and gas used for powering power plants.

[aegap]

Originally Posted by cobraboy

(A note to Mr. Chavez, and President Bob of Iran: you DO realize your regimes are screwed if this stuff is for real, don't you? )

not much problem, for as you can perhaps decern from the article they have Shell etc. to aid, andperhaps make sure that government somehow stays in the way..

[dv8]

i would not worry, cobraboy, it's gonna be years before the reliable alternative power sources will be developed and widely available. then it will take a major shift in the people's minds to start using them. so chavez and all the sheiks can sleep soundly...
for now...